Polymer Supply Chain Management

A typical polymer supply chain network includes multiple plants, large number of storage terminals, customers and consignment locations, and complex distribution requirements. Here, the author describes the complexity of polymer supply chain from 'logical positivist/empiricist' viewpoint based on in-depth interviews with supply chain managers of four major polymer manufacturers and on the experience in the industry. They begin by defining marketplace and competitive environment in which polymer manufacturers do business. Then, they enumerate the requirements for manufacturing, distribution, supply chain planning and control.